Chocolate-Matcha Protein Bites, Favorite Matcha, Year to Date Run Milage

Do you remember these Matcha Bites? They’re one of my favorite snacks, especially before or during a long run for fuel.

I love them so much I decided to take them up a notch based on Shalane’s recipe in her latest book. If you love Matcha Tea and Dark Chocolate, you’re going to love these energy bites. I also made them nut-free using sun-butter verses cashews. I love how they turned out!

The dipping process is a messy but trust me, once these gems set up in the freezer or fridge, the chocolatey goodness is so worth it! The chocolate melts easily so I do suggest storing them in freezer. Just take one out 15 to 20 minutes prior to devouring or eat frozen like me?. Trust me, if you keep them in the freezer, you’re more than likely not to polish them off in one sitting?.

Not only are they delicious, but also high in anti-oxidants and minerals from the combination of green matcha tea, raw cocoa powder, and sunflower butter. These are a DELICIOUS & HEALTHY post run treat, or a good energy boost before a run, or an afternoon yoga class.

Speaking of running. I was messing around in my Training Peaks and I caught a glimpse of my fitness chart and wanted to share again. As I mentioned in my last post, these are just numbers and I personally am still unclear on what all these numbers, dots, and lines mean. But what I do know is all that blue area underneath the line represents the hours and hours of running I’ve done just this year. I was pleasantly surprised at my total milage to date. I shared my Strava pic here but here is my Training Peaks Graph. Isn’t it lovely?. As you can see, it’s quite consistent and I pumped to start marathon training with a good base under my belt!

This deserves a delicious Chocolate-Matcha Protein Bite don’t you think?.

By the way, if you haven’t found a Matcha tea you like, you may want to try my favorite. Most brands I have tried are way too bitter. This one is smooth and not at all bitter, but slightly sweet. I can guarantee you’ll love this brand or you’re money back no questions asked. It’s exactly why I tried the products over 25 years ago. You can read more about my story here or check out this post on why I use Shaklee here

However, if you don’t have Matcha Tea and want to make these immediately, try using more cocoa powder and adding some cinnamon. Lets get rolling and dipping shall we?.

CHOCOLATE-MATCHA PROTEIN BITES

INGREDIENTS:

FILLING:

• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup dates pitted
• 3/4 cup sunflower butter
• 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Pink Himalayan sea salt

DARK CHOCOLATE COATING:

• 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons raw cocoa powder (unsweetened)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. To make filling: In a food processor combine the coconut, dates, sunflower butter, coconut oil, matcha, and salt. Pulse until smooth.
3. Use a tablespoon to scoop a small amount into our hands and roll into bite-size balls. Continue with the entire mixture. Place the balls on baking sheet and pop in the freezer to chill for 15 minutes before rolling. I neglected this step…..don’t. These are much harder to work with when not chilled.
4. To make the coating: Melt coconut oil on low. Add the maple syrup and cocoa powder. Stir.
5. Drop one ball at a time in the chocolate coating, use a fork or spoon to lift out, and return to the baking sheet. Continue with the remaining balls. Drizzle any remaining chocolate on top.
6. Place in the fridge for at lest 30 minute or until ready to sere. Store leftovers in fridge (or freezer to be safe?).

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Do you like Matcha tea?

Are you maintaining fitness or in training mode?

When and where is your next race?